There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when I make Green Chili Pork Stew. As the first whiffs of sizzling garlic and onions envelop the room, I’m instantly reminded of family gatherings where hearty meals took center stage. This vibrant stew effortlessly combines tender braised pork with a parade of colorful peppers and tangy tomatillos, creating a comforting embrace for the senses.
Whether you’re winding down from a long day or hosting an impromptu dinner with friends, this dish balances heat and freshness wonderfully, making it a star attraction at any table. And the best part? With just a bit of prep and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal that impresses without overwhelming you. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this cozy recipe that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home.
Why is this Green Chili Pork Stew unforgettable?
Easy Preparation: This stew requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Bold Flavors: The combination of tender pork, zesty tomatillos, and spicy peppers creates an experience for your taste buds that is simply unmatched.
Hearty Comfort: With its thick, rich texture, this dish offers that cozy feeling that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or even some homemade churro chips for a festive flair.
Gluten-Free Adaptability: With a simple swap, you can easily accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Green Chili Pork Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
- Olive oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the pork; any cooking oil can be substituted.
- Boneless pork shoulder (4 lb.) – The star of the recipe that turns tender after braising; pork butt can be used as an alternative.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the dish’s flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle hint of heat; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Medium yellow onion (1) – Provides a sweet base flavor that enriches the stew.
- Poblano peppers (2) – Adds mild heat and depth; swap with bell peppers for a milder version.
- Jalapeño pepper (1) – Offers an extra kick; adjust based on your desired spice level.
- Cloves garlic (6) – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that elevates the stew.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) – Thickening agent for the stew; omit or substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Ground cumin (1 tbsp.) – Delivers earthy warmth to the mix for a robust flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp.) – Adds herbal notes that enhance the overall taste.
- Chopped mild green chiles (4 cans, 4 oz. each) – Key to the stew’s signature taste; fresh chiles can be used as well.
- Tomatillos (1/2 lb. or about 5 medium) – Essential for adding acidity and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Chicken stock (5 cups) – Acts as the stew’s liquid base; opt for vegetable stock if going vegetarian.
For Serving
- Fresh lime wedges – Adds brightness when served and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro – For garnish; enhances flavor and brings freshness to the presentation.
- Sour cream – Optional topping that adds creaminess and mellows the spice.
- Tortilla chips – For serving, they add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
With these carefully selected ingredients, your Green Chili Pork Stew will burst with flavor and warmth, creating a comforting dish that will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Green Chili Pork Stew
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Prep and Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, poblano, and jalapeño until softened, around 5 minutes, until they become fragrant and tender.
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Brown the Pork: Add cubed pork shoulder to the pot and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brown the pork on all sides for about 8-10 minutes, creating a flavorful crust.
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Add Flour and Spices: Sprinkle the flour over the browned meat, stirring in the ground cumin and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to become aromatic.
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Combine Ingredients: Mix in the chopped mild green chiles, tomatillos, and chicken stock. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer, letting all those delightful flavors mingle.
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Braise: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. The pork should become fork-tender and easily shreddable, infusing the broth with its savory goodness.
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Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for an added texture contrast.
Optional: Top with avocado slices for a creamy addition.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Green Chili Pork Stew preparations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can chop the vegetables (onion, poblanos, jalapeño, and garlic) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can brown the pork and mix in the flour and spices, letting it chill for up to 24 hours before proceeding with the stew. This way, the flavors will meld beautifully. Just remember to adjust the seasoning before serving! When you’re ready to enjoy your stew, simply combine all ingredients, let it simmer, and you’ll have a deliciously comforting meal ready in no time!
How to Store and Freeze Green Chili Pork Stew
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of stock if needed to maintain moisture.
Freezer: Freeze the stew for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the thawed stew slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, ensuring the flavors come back to life.
Serving Tip: Leftover green chili pork stew can be repurposed creatively; try shredding it for sandwiches in soft torta rolls for a delicious twist!
Expert Tips for Green Chili Pork Stew
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Perfect Browning: Allow the pork to brown well before adding other ingredients. This ensures a rich, deep flavor that will enhance your stew.
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Final Seasoning: Adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking. This will help prevent over-salting and give you the best possible flavor balance.
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Gluten-Free Option: If you’re going gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to keep the stew thick and hearty.
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Preferred Spice Levels: Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your spice preference, ensuring the stew is just how you like it.
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Longer Brasing: For even more tender pork, consider braising the stew for longer than an hour, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
What to Serve with Green Chili Pork Stew?
There’s nothing like a well-rounded meal that enhances the comforting experience of a hearty stew.
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Creamy Polenta: The rich, smooth texture of polenta pairs wonderfully with the stew, soaking in all the flavors while adding a delightful creaminess.
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Cilantro-Lime Rice: Fresh and zesty, cilantro-lime rice complements the bold flavors of the stew while adding a refreshing balance.
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Avocado Salad: A cool and creamy avocado salad with lime dressing provides a lovely contrast to the steamy heat of the stew, keeping every bite invigorating.
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Fresh Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread is a traditional side that adds a touch of sweetness, perfect for scooping up that savory broth.
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Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing, guacamole not only adds creaminess but the crispness of tortilla chips brings a satisfying crunch alongside each bite.
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Light Beer or Paloma Cocktails: A cold light beer or a refreshing Paloma can elevate your meal, counterbalancing the stew’s warmth with their crispness.
With these delightful accompaniments, your Green Chili Pork Stew transforms into a feast, inviting friends and family to gather around the table and enjoy!
Green Chili Pork Stew Variations
Get ready to make this beloved recipe truly your own with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of flair!
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Chicken Thighs: Substitute pork shoulder with chicken thighs for a lighter, equally flavorful warm stew. The chicken absorbs the spices beautifully, making it a comforting option.
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Mix Peppers: Experiment with different peppers like hatch chiles or green bell peppers. Each variety brings a unique flavor profile to your stew, allowing you to tailor the heat level.
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Add Beans: For an extra protein boost and delightful texture, incorporate canned black beans or pinto beans. They’ll thicken the stew and make it even heartier, transforming it into a satisfying complete meal.
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Smoky Flavor: Toss in some smoked paprika for a subtle smoky dimension that complements the peppers and tomatillos splendidly. Just a teaspoon can elevate your stew’s flavor to a whole new level.
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Vegetarian Twist: Replace the pork with a mix of hearty vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, and use vegetable stock instead. This change creates a vibrant stew that still offers comforting warmth.
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Herbs Galore: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or cilantro for a twist. These herbs add fresh brightness and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Heat Levels: Adjust the heat by including an extra jalapeño or some minced chipotle peppers. This gives you the power to customize the spice intensity to match your taste buds perfectly.
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Creamy Element: For a richer stew, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. It adds a velvety texture and balances the spice beautifully.
Whichever twists you choose, each variation invites you on a culinary adventure that reflects your personal taste! Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl of Green Chili Pork Stew!
Green Chili Pork Stew Recipe FAQs
What type of pork is best for this stew?
I recommend using boneless pork shoulder because it becomes beautifully tender during braising. Pork butt is another good alternative. Both cuts have enough fat to keep the stew juicy and flavorful.
How do I know when my tomatillos are ripe?
Look for tomatillos that have a firm texture with a bright green color. They should be slightly shiny and encased in their papery husk, which should be dry and not split. If they have dark spots or are soft, they might be overripe.
How should I store leftovers of the Green Chili Pork Stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re reheating, add a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist and stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I freeze Green Chili Pork Stew?
Absolutely! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before adding it to the stew. Plus, if you’re concerned about spice, reduce the jalapeño or substitute with additional poblano peppers for a milder flavor.
What should I do if the stew is too thick?
If your Green Chili Pork Stew turns out too thick after cooking, no worries! Simply add a little chicken stock or water, stirring slowly until you achieve your desired consistency. Let it heat through again, and be sure to taste for seasoning adjustments after adding liquid.
Savor the Warmth: Bold Green Chili Pork Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, poblano, and jalapeño until softened, around 5 minutes.
- Add cubed pork shoulder to the pot and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brown the pork on all sides for about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the browned meat, stirring in the ground cumin and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in the chopped mild green chiles, tomatillos, and chicken stock. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips.